Inspection: USSSA INSPECTS BUKEDEA AND AMUS IN PREPARATION FOR FEASSSA

Preparations underway as Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College School gear up to host the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSSA) in August 2024

Bukedea, January 11, 2024 – The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) is making significant strides in elevating the standard of school sports, as evidenced by the inspection visit to the prospective hosts of the upcoming FEASSSA Championship. The inspection team visited Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College School to assess their readiness to welcome the FEASSSA inspection team scheduled for March. The two schools won the bid. to host the games

Accommodation venues at Bukedea Comprehensive School

Focus Areas of Inspection

The USSSA inspection team meticulously scrutinized several crucial aspects to ensure a seamless hosting experience. The areas of focus included:

• Accommodation
• Competition areas
• Security measures
• Health and medication facilities
• Transportation logistics
• Feeding arrangements

The team received a warm welcome from Jonas Gumisiriza, the Managing Director of Bukedea, Richard Olupot of Amus College School, and a representative from the Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU), Luke Emuron

Optimism and Commitment from Hosts

Luke Emuron, USSSA Executive representing ASSHU, expressed enthusiasm about Teso Sub-region hosting the FEASSSA Championship, stating, “We look forward to hosting a successful event come August.”

“We are excited that Teso is hosting East Africa. We look forward to hosting a successful event come August.” Luke Emuron

Richard Olupot, Headteacher of Amus College, conveyed appreciation for the USSSA team’s visit, acknowledging that it places them on the fast track to efficient delivery. He shared detailed plans for the event, including the utilization of six fields for football and a dedicated main field for track events. The school is investing in amenities, accommodation, and multipurpose surfaces for basketball and volleyball.

“We appreciate your coming because this puts us to speed in terms of delivery. As Amus, we look at hosting football on the 6 fields – by mid-March, the green will have surfaced.” Richard Olupot Headteacher of Amus College

Professor Jonas Gumisiriza, Managing Director of Bukedea Comprehensive School, emphasized the unity of vision between the two host schools, expressing commitment to creating a unique FEASSSA Championship event. Bukedea Comprehensive can accommodate up to 2400 students, ensuring comfort for athletes. He assured everyone that the projects are on track for completion, with both schools fully committed to the undertaking.

“I thank the co-host (Amus College School) for the work done. As Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College schools, we are one, our vision is to have a one-of-a-kind FEASSSA Championship.”Professor Jonas Gumisiriza, Managing Director of Bukedea Comprehensive School

Progress Acknowledged by USSSA Leadership

Christopher Mugisha Banage, CEO of USSSA, commended the progress witnessed during the visit. He acknowledged the commitment demonstrated by the host schools, stating, “Promises were made, and we have witnessed that the commitment is in place.” He expressed optimism that visible progress will be evident by March, despite some areas starting from scratch.

“We have noted a good progress of work. Promises were made and we have witnessed that the commitment is in place. Deadlines have been mentioned and, in my judgment, by March there will be something to be shown.” Christopher Mugisha Banage, CEO of USSSA

The inspection team’s composition, featuring various stakeholders from the USSSA, local government, and schools, reflects a collaborative effort to ensure the success of the FEASSSA Championship.

President Emeritus’s Appreciation and Areas of Concern

Patrick Alfred Okanya expressed gratitude to the school proprietors for their financial commitment to the sports facilities. He commended the project execution teams, emphasizing the courage and determination required for such resource-intensive endeavors.

“I appreciate the proprietors of the schools for committing funds to this cause, it takes courage and determination to develop sports facilities – they are resource-intensive.”

Okanya outlined areas of concern, urging collaboration with local government and communities to improve access roads and security. He emphasized the need to plan for local vendors during the games and encouraged fan mobilization to ensure community awareness.

“We need to work with local government and the community to improve access roads, security. Plan for local vendors since during the games different people will be merchandising different items.” Patrick Alfred Okanya, USSSA President Emeritus

As noted by the team, the progress is commendable, and the USSSA acknowledges the efforts of Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College School. The inspection team, featuring representatives from USSSA, local communities, and schools, included:

• John Robert Osu – Teso Zone Chairperson
• Andres Isiagi Okiring – Resident Director Amus College School
• Okot P’ Bitek – USSSA 3rd Vice President
• Kasozi Mubarak – In charge of engineering Bukedea Comprehensive School
• Maraka Abraham – USSSA Chairperson Bukedea District
• Godiliver Apolot – USSSA EXCOM Secretary Women Affairs
• Hajj Hussein Lwembawo Kyagulanyi – USSSA EXCOM
• Mafabi Beatrice – USSSA EXCOM Representing Eastern Region
• Calvin Opio – Games master Amus College School
• Luke Emuron – HeadTeacher St Peters College, Tororo
• Omaria Bosco – Director Marketing and Communication USSSA
• Betty Namulalo – Representative Physical Education and Sports Department Ministry of Education and Sports
• Jonas Gumisiriza – Managing Director Bukedea Comprehensive
• Ibande Emmanuel – HM Bukedea Comprehensive School

As noted by the team, the progress is commendable, and the USSSA acknowledges the efforts of Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College School. The inspection team, with representatives from USSSA, local communities, and schools, is committed to ensuring that Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College School provide a world-class setting for the FEASSSA Championship.